Probably something like $200… and yes… once!

I really enjoy trying new restaurants, but here’s a couple of things as a disclaimer before I get into this:

• I usually feel bad about splurging a lot on dinner
• I usually don’t care too much for seafood

Enter The Tides: a restaurant that somehow negated both of the above rules simultaneously.

I’ve been to my fair share of reasonably fancy restaurants. Most of the time I feel like you are paying outrageous prices without getting proportionately good food — and that gives me a real sense of dissatisfaction. I’d rather go to a cheap, hole-in-the-wall diner with good food than an expensive, trendy lounge with mediocre food almost any day of the week.

Last year, Selene and I took a random vacation to Vero Beach. There’s not a whole lot going on there to be honest with you, but it was still a nice trip. We were looking for a place to eat dinner and a few people had recommended a restaurant called The Tides, so I called and made a reservation.

We found out later that they’re usually completely booked for the season. I read reviews after of people saying they had booked months in advance. I think, by happenstance, I may have called right after someone had cancelled and we just filled the newly-open spot. They’re busy for a good reason… the food is delicious. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like we actually got food that matched the price.

Scallop

Fish

Pasta

Creme Brulee

You have no idea how many pictures of food I have saved on my phone, so you don’t understand how long it took me to find these pictures in particular. They might not look like much, but trust me… it was delicious. When I think of the best places we’ve ever eaten, this is definitely on the list.

I don’t know what to tell you guys. I don’t like scallops. But I liked this one. I liked it a lot.

I think the total bill probably ran about $200. Here in South Florida, that is not a difficult amount to hit, even while dining casually. I’m sure I’ve spent more on other meals, but they didn’t leave a lasting impression… but The Tides? Yeah, I’ll remember The Tides.

Daily writing prompt

What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

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